Post Match Tigers v Warriors - [Round 4, 2025]

[sballer7]

One of Kosis best games?

 

[SJ’s on Fire]

The King is back!

 

[1995warriorsfan]

4 points

 

[the WARs]

This Tigers are the real deal .best Tigers team for years... and we just beat them Fuck yes

 

[Rizzah]

Great to get the win.
Looked flaky as fuck in defence.
That Leka try, OMG - what a fucken beast.

 

[roguei]

How the fuck did Metcalf nail every conversion in that wind. Honestly some great kicking from both halves. No matter the position they seemed to land the ball in-between the 10 and goal.

Also Clark and Leka are beasts!

One of Egan's best games. He carried our attack for the most part.

People getting into our attack. I get that, but fuck our defense was way worse. Way worse. No way we should of let in that amount.

 

[Bippidydoodah]

Winning ugly still counts

 

[Tookey 2.0]

2 points in the bag, friggin stoked. We're closing games out well.

No one will be saying 'Leka who?' after tonight

 

[Kaos A.D.]

Well done boys... big ups to Kosi

 

[Canonball]

Halasima! Also why the fuck was Luai not binned?

 

[LeagueJunkie]

Ugly win but 2 points is 2 points. Erin Clark might just be the buy of the year. The guy plays with heaps of grit and tenacity.

 

[the WARs]

KOSI best FG game IMHO ...he didn't make any mistakes I can recall Vs many he usual does in bad conditions

 

[Leon Black]

Heartfelt apologist to Ed tonight, caught kick offs killed it

 

[Riz]

So happy for Ed Kosi

 

[afakasi247]

“Young Leka is a special kid man, and I hope he just stays grounded cause, futures really bright for him”


- Mitch Barnett postgame

 

[Mr Drag]

So happy for Ed Kosi

We all are!

 

[Citygirl]

The age of LEKA-BALL is upon us.

Under the posts next time please

 

[Completion Rate]

We found a way to win. This will make all the difference come finals time.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Guys don’t seem to appreciate how tough that win was.

In the rain, against one of the NRLs twin favourites at their home ground, with a ref who let the Tigers away with plenty.

 

[Leon Black]

Fuck I love Leka, almost scored an incredible try against the Dogs last season, topped it off tonight

 

[janfin]

And that’s why you never give up following your team .That was bloody unbelievable

 

[Tragic]

Vaimauga was bloody good too. Just needs to work on fitness so he can stay out there longer

 

[RiceOwl]

• 3-1 Feels good. Enjoy the bye boys, recoup and shake up the Storm.
• The gutsy nature of these wins are impressive. They just keep on playing to the death.
• Wasn’t a pretty win but some big stops in that last 10mins I thought.
• Leka! How good…but put it under the posts son! Such a powerful guy, an absolute weapon.
• JFH ability to lock up that middle impresses me every week. Love to see it.
• Kosi take a bow man. No errors and some big tough carries. I thought a lot the negative chat and death riding the guy was a fucking pile on. So I’m pleased for him.
• Egan is beginning 25 like last year when there was chat about being on SoO radar. Hope he can sustain it.
• Metcalf still has a long way to go. Still very clunky imo, but want to keep backing the guy.
• Niukore needs to be off the bench from here on in. Too many costly errors even if that was a good try onus behalf.
• Demitric brought some great energy when he came on but should focus more on D than playing at the ball.
• On the tigers. Galvin is going to continue to grow into a great footballer. Really enjoy watching him play even if we gave him the bash.
• That Luai though, there isn’t a more punchable face in the NRL imo

 

[snake77]

After the trials I commented I'd be nervous about Kosi under the bright lights in Vegas.

This was a tough match to come in for. Tough conditions.

Credit where it is due he stepped up. He held onto the ball made his runs. Even got some offloads in.

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Really wrapped that Ed had a solid game tonight. Was awesome to see the smile back on his face after some challenging times he’s faced throughout his career. Just what he needed to get some confidence back

 

[Bippidydoodah]

Loved the battle between Tyrell May and Halisima, Halisima is a fucking stud.

 

[jonesy101]

The Leka try was one for the vault. Deserves to be in the same highlights reel as the SJ v Broncos, Stacey Jones grand final, Michael Witt v Storm and Wade McKinnon tries.

 

[Defence]

Better team won but it could’ve quite easily been one that got away- some big lessons in there for vaimauga and Leka.
Feel so much more confident closing out a game with jfh out there.
Erin Clarke is a beast.

 

[Dantheman]

Leka obviously had the most impact in terms of getting the win but special shoutout to Ed, you are my man of the match brother! Safe as houses and didn't put a foot wrong. All hail King Kosi!

 

[Warrior#138]

Ugly a$$ win

But 2 points against a team who we will likely be in a battle to make the eight with further down the track is gold.

I thought Metcalf looked jittery and uncertain at times running the cutter.

Our ‘stress defence’ on repeats and and penalties was challenged especially when we had our younger bench players on.

But we won! And I thought the niggle toward the end there was well played but some of our old bucks against their younger guys. And it paid off.

Bloody tough conditions. Big ups to Kosi, Clark and Charnze for big games and reliable performances.

 

[Gods_17]

The age of LEKA-BALL is upon us.

Loved it every time he smashed Mays arm on defense like, "You're good... but I'm just warming up."

Was May even On the field when that brute #17 winger scored the try?

Anyhow, I'm All in for him shushing the tigz fans. Yes he should've ran it in closer to the posts. When you're young and inexperienced and have just beaten 3 defenders to score a try as a 2nd rower? Hough, have at it we got Met'carve!

Onya Boys! Fu(king Proud of Ya for putting it in there!

 

[AlwaysOptmistic]

Niukore can go, discipline is disgraceful.
Ford can go. I don’t know what he brings, someone fill me in.
Bunty can go. Too good for NSW cup but not good enough for FG.
I’d seriously consider swapping Metcalf and CHT for TMM and Boyd.
Our bench usage is something I still can’t figure out.
We won, but we have plenty of improving.
CNK with some massive plays.

Jackson ford has one error and no penalties conceded in four games which is great. Another 120m plus run meter game and led post contact metres, so he's doing alright in my books.
Niukore was strong early but then gave up three pressure relieving penalties in a row.

 

[Gods_17]

Guys don’t seem to appreciate how tough that win was.

In the rain, against one of the NRLs twin favourites at their home ground, with a ref who let the Tigers away with plenty.

That ref was pretty fair in my eyes, Frank. The way he handled the Leka/May incident had me thinking a penalty for the tigz at one stage there.

Got to Love hearing the staunch Warrior fans in amongst Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Big Ups to All you mfers!

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Loud and proud boys!


View: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH0aOQYMEsJ/?igsh=NGl1Z2J0NXFtcHMw

 

[Dlenai]

people also keep mentioning the disruptions and injuries the tigers had

We had Dylan Walker leave halfway through the week - that’s an immense reshuffle. RTS injury and Berry last minute injury; it’s actually a much more impressive win in hindsight for me all things considered

 

[Stalefish540]

Egan doing some herculean lifting in attack with no Walker to assist and Metcalf/CHT pissing about.

Great game for Edward, stoked for him. Bunty decent as well except for the gaping hole try.

 

[Beastmode]

Ed

19 Runs
207m!!!


Looked very confident with the high ball

Kid has been putting in work off the field

Well done Ed. Job done.
He has my respect for now.

 

[Canadian_Warriors_Fan]

Brilliant game to be at, nearly had 2 or 3 heart attacks, soaked to the bone, freezing on the train right now but geez what a win!

 

[Worried2Death]

We didn't deal with the restructure well when Kosi was HIA. Got lucky a couple a times, conceded from a kick.

I thought the ref gave them momentum we didn't deal with too well. But unlike last year we came over the top. 10% more grit this year.

I reckon the 10% more grit is all Fisher-Harris's influence this year. No one messes with The Fush, everyone knows it. Why? Because he's baddest mofo in the game that's why.
It's hard to sleep after a Sunday night game, I'm wired up like a crack addict after that. I'll be tossing and turning all night with visions of Leka running down the sideline like fukn Lomu and Ed Kosi smashing blokes, his turning arc is still a work in progress but can't fault his ariel skills, good game son, that's my boy. Gave it an A for sheer entertainment.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

Well that's the way to end the weekend. Half way through this game, I was thinking that this match reminded me of the sharks game we played in 2023 in the wet. Claimed victory from the jaws of defeat with a dubious, but ultimately correctly awarded, penalty. That's certainly a game that we would have lost in 2024, which makes me believe that 2025 is looking more like 2023, rather than 2024.

A few comments:
1. Middles: For the most part, we dominated the middle. We fell away a little bit between minutes 50-70, but on the whole, the tigers were struggling to get into our red zone (we had 38 tackles in their 20, they only had 10). So we ultimately deserved to win that game. According to nrl.com, we outran the tigers by almost 600 meters (1985 - 1387m).

2. JFH and Bench Use: Great captain's knock. JFH certainly doesn't provide the same amount of meters that AFB offers, but the intangibles are clearly priceless. He has got our forwards working as a unified whole: we aren't the one man band anymore. JFH, Barney, Ford, Leka, all 100+ meters. A 4 forward bench works well for us given our forward oriented gameplay. Though, I think we need to ensure that one of JFH and Barney is on the field at all times. That last try through the middle the tigers scored is on Bunty/Leka when the middle defense got a bit loose. I doubt it would have happened if JFH/Barney were on the field.

2. Kosi: Poor bloke has copped it from all of us this week which we are all guilty of. 207m and really safe pair of hands under the high ball. Really happy for the bloke. He was clearly the right choice for these conditions.

3. CNK: 238m. Despite all this talk about shifting him to centre/wing, this game highlighted the importance of his work rate and defensive work. He's a big body that is our best choice for handling the physical demands of the FB role. Even RTS I don't think would have pumped up numbers like this. Must admit, his diving for penalties does my head in sometimes as a rugby league purist. But it did win us the game.

4. Leka+Ali: Leka is a beast in a 1-1 situation on the edge. Almost scored a similar try against the Dogs last year, so glad he pulled it off this time round. Ali was a big quiet tonight: he probably needs to go looking for the ball in games like this where we aren't actively going down his edge on attack. That's what RTS does really well that he should try to emulate.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

The best thing with this win is we can now go to Melbourne with no ladder pressure, just go express yourselves! Win or lose beat them up physically!

 

[KPWarrior]

I reckon the 10% more grit is all Fisher-Harris's influence this year. No one messes with The Fush, everyone knows it. Why? Because he's baddest mofo in the game that's why.
It's hard to sleep after a Sunday night game, I'm wired up like a crack addict after that. I'll be tossing and turning all night with visions of Leka running down the sideline like fukn Lomu and Ed Kosi smashing blokes, his turning arc is still a work in progress but can't fault his ariel skills, good game son, that's my boy. Gave it an A for sheer entertainment.

The turn around in mental toughness is all JFH influence for sure

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Absolutely stoked with that win. We're a team glaringly lacking in certain areas but that was such a gutsy win against an improving side, full of confidence, at home in difficult conditions, in a week where we lost one of our main playmakers and a disrupted line up.

Our pack laid the foundation (altho momentum swung back to the Tigers second half) and finished it off.....ugly but great all the same.

Egan and Clarke have been our best all year. Loved how our halves jumped on the back of Egan when he broke them in Metcalf's try.

We've only scratched the surface with Leka too i feel. We've still to learn how to best use him in shape in the attacking zone......once we figure that out god what a weapon we'll have.

Clearly attack is still a work on for us. Particulary Luke with running the shape as well as option taking. Going side to side without squaring up is such easy fodder for defences.
And some of our defence in the middle of the ruck defending our line was dodgy as heck and marker D will get some work over the bye week. Capewell seems to wlak between the raindrops a bit but another 9 missed tackles tonight.....2nd most in the comp i think....anybody else would probably get crucified by now.

I dont fancy our chances after the bye week against some classy teams so that win was sooo important keeping us in the mix, and it would be nice if recruitment could pull off a miracle Dylan replacement signing as i think we definitely need another ball player in the mix to take pressure off the halves.

Finally big ups Ed. Thats the standard now tho brother

 

[Leon Black]

Kosi, mate, you did your job and then some, Leka been waiting for your to show the whole of the NRL audience your ridiculous talent.

Let this just be a starting point and stay humble and work harder each and every week.

Learn from those beasts by your side, JFH and Mitch.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Every time we have gone 3 and 1 to start the season we have made finals!

I hope Mt Smart is rocking for that Broncos game, Walsh don't get injured just yet.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

My favorite hobby is to go check out opposition fan forums (game day and pre-game) after an epic win like that. Many Tigers fans were all confident of a 13+ win and thought we would be a push-over as a bottom 4 team. Don't know of a single big NRL pundit who had us winning this game. So they can all go and pound dust. 2025 is starting to look like 2023 again.

 

[pleatedpantspete]

also Shout out Kosi, good game son. He's always getting put in games with the biggest chirpers.

Highlight of the match for me was Luai's reaction after he was far too slow trying to smash Taine and Leka ran down the wing. Hard to spot but he throws his arms down in a little tantrum. Beautiful stuff.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

It looks like after this round, we are going to be leading the comp in total running meters, post contact meters once the stats from today's game are incorporated. Made essentially 2000m in this game again, like last week. That's more meters than what Manly made in that crazy game against the Raiders last week where they had 68% of possession over the whole game. So for all the talk about losing go-forward post -AFB, we seem to be doing just fine in that category.

 

[BabylonPink]

I've got to say the development has been good.
How good was pompeys try ?

 

[Beastmode]

We got two weeks to savour this victory

Two weeks to enjoy these 4 delicious points

Two weeks to debate, argue and agree, disagree how good this game was

Two weeks.

I am looking forward to this two weeks.

Well done Warriors.
Let’s enjoy the WIN.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

Leka + Ali, that edge is going to develop into something special. Reminded me of the good old days of his uncle Ali Lauititi and his edge combo with Clinton Toopi.

 

[Noitall]

AFB is top of the pcm stats, but now we have five players in the top 25: Fish, Barnett, Clark, CNK, and Ford. And that's reverse order...

Ford’s been epic off the bench. Was really impressed by our ball handling in the wet apart from a couple of Barnett dropped balls. Had a good laugh at Laiataua in support of Halasima with a beaming smile until he shushes the crowd and his face dropped. Sort of looked towards the box and must have thought coach isn’t going to be happy. Stacey looked like he was saying some choice words. Amazing player and play though and deserved the moment. Thought Barnett hit the nail on the head, if Halasima stays grounded, he’s going to be special. Think he will be either way and confidence is important, but humbleness is good trait

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Had to go to bed straight after the game, was a little wired struggling to get to sleep lol. Agree with a lot that’s being written.

First off, how frickin good is Leka. I’d give Niukore the Storm and Broncos games to get his shit together. Then replace him with Leka if he’s doesn’t improve significantly.

I was confident our forwards would beat theirs and that’s pretty much what happened. Erin has been really good, I still think he should be our impact 14 it also gives a halfway option for hooker cover, but that’s just my opinion.
The real test is coming in the next 2 games for our forwards. I’ll admit I’m not confident of our chances and we don’t have the halves to get us out of trouble.
Hope Hughes is still out for the Storm. Makes our job a little easier.

How long do we run Egan for 80? Our byes are pretty well spaced out unlike last year.

I want us to just keep running out with Metcalf and CHT no matter what tbh. If they can have 35+ games together by 2027, I think we’ll be in a better place than other clubs.

Ed was exceptional

 

[tyrael]

Metcalf done piss all bar a few easy conversion but we got the win so everyone's blinded by it

Scores a try, gets 100% kicks, no errors, 1 missed tackle, ran the ball 15 times (we said he didn't run enough last week).

It wasn't a back's game in that rain and yes there needs to be more improvement, but he's only going to get better.

That last penalty kick while in front of goal would have been hard. Rain, pressure to win and fatigue.

I said it 2 weeks ago, live in the moment bruv, be happy.

 

[Noitall]

Scores a try, gets 100% kicks, no errors, 1 missed tackle, ran the ball 15 times (we said he didn't run enough last week).

It wasn't a back's game in that rain and yes there needs to be more improvement, but he's only going to get better.

That last penalty kick while in front of goal would have been hard. Rain, pressure to win and fatigue.

I said it 2 weeks ago, live in the moment bruv, be happy.

Reminded me a lot of the victory a couple of years ago against the sharks where SJ wanted the moment and slotted the goal. Starting to see little glimpses of SJ’s input into Metcalf. That try of his constructed from an Egan break also was reminiscent of a game against rabbits last year that saw SJ score with TMM close at hand backing up. Pompey is really starting to believe in himself now and is really deceptive with that left foot step. Just a great all round victory in my view with work ons. Thought the handling from the team in the conditions was exceptional

 

[VB89]

Jackson ford has one error and no penalties conceded in four games which is great. Another 120m plus run meter game and led post contact metres, so he's doing alright in my books.
Niukore was strong early but then gave up three pressure relieving penalties in a row.

Jackson Ford can do no right in some peoples books SMH.

38 minutes for 147m, 8 tackle breaks. I thought he was excellent punch off the bench and it was taking 3 guys to tackle him almost every time.

Im still all for keeping Halasima on the bench and bring him on as impact, lets not rush the kids development. Both him and Demetric still have some of those 'schoolground footy' antics to their game they need to shed IMO. But I haven't been this excited for a pair of homegrown forwards in a loooong time.

Erin Clarke is like Jazz but on steroids (figuratively, but looking at him maybe literally lol).

Also, for Metcalf - on one hand he still looks a little shaky and disjointed but there's also something there that makes me think he's going to turn into a really good half.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

It was unequivocally a penalty. Maybe CNK's theatrics are a bit distasteful but the decision was correct. Tigers fans bitching about it can pound sand.

 

[Canonball]

It was unequivocally a penalty. Maybe CNK's theatrics are a bit distasteful but the decision was correct. Tigers fans bitching about it can pound sand.

I can't get over how pissy Benji was in the presser - as if they we reffed out of the game, couldn't be less true - compare that to how AW answered the question about the Luai high shot - proud of our club for that sort of attitude actually

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Luai facing a 1-2 week ban. Confirms he should have been binned

 

[juju]

Ed Kosi no errors and 200m run meters.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Tough day to be a Tigers player. Few fans bit harsh. I thought they played great even with the missing players and only just lost by 2. After the last few years that’s an infinite improvement.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

looks like the nrl media narrative on our game is going to be that the tigers were the better team and were robbed by CNK's gamesmanship. Basically that we got lucky. So I really hope we knock off one of Melbourne/Brisbane over the next 2 weeks to prove to the Sydney centric punditry class that we are not a mirage and are indeed the real deal.

 

[Ref]

I have just watched the replay and only half as smashed as last night.
That was a fantastic game of league.
The game evolves quickly at times and we are trying to play an enterprising attacking style and a brutal defensive style.
This comp is wide open.
The Leka try was started by Ed Kosi leaping under pressure to diffuse a bomb about 15 metres out.
TT might have had the next run and then maybe CNK.
Then Ali scooted left from dummy half and TT had rushed from the left to the right to make the overlap.
Perfect passes from Ali and TT.
Ford was insane in his new cameo.

 

[Noitall]

Agreed, I would like to see Healey (or Lussick) on the bench giving him a 20min or so spell each game. Love Egan and what he is producing but from previous seasons we need him fit for the back end.

Wonder if Egan is just too important for this inexperienced halves combination at this point? Seems to be a leader on the field at present too. He’s a big factor in the wins we’re having

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Leka if slowly given some mins like what AW is doing should increase his engine. Which could develop him into the perfect capes replacement. Great 2nd rower but can move into center on a pinch. Maybe even wing...

Laban should make for a perfect marata replacement as well. Not as damaging a runner but lighter on his feet, just as big of an engine, less mistakes and will compete for a high ball unlike marata.

I think we could have the best back row in the comp next year.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

I can imagine him and Ali Leiataua also running the lines and any winger will do outside those two. Luke will look even better with those two to choose from

I wish Luke would straighten up before he passes when we run shape. Atm he's just herding everyone to the sideline......including the defence

The times we look dangerous in the red zone is when Egan plays direct and we jump on the back of that.

Also, im not a Pompey disciple by any means but i dont think he's got enough credit for that try he scored. I know the Leka try overshadowed everything but damn that was one of the best Warrior solo tries we've seen in ages. Guys would be losing your shit if Leiataua put on footwork like that.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

View: https://x.com/senleague/status/1906572167179042942?s=46

Brandy actually hates us doesnt he

Utter bullshit. We had control most of the game, we beat them in almost every stat imaginable. To their credit, the Tigers hung in there and scored a few tries against the run of play, but only lead the game for 15 minutes before Leka's try.

It's okay to 'feel' for the Tigers as they've been a shit show for so long, but don't make it out that the Tigers were hard done by and should have won that game if it weren't for supervillain Charnz to pip them with a dirty play.

Laughable!

 

[MrFrankWhite]

On the dog kennel, they have 4 pages on Marcel, all singing his praises, some saying he is better than Josh Ado-Carr, some saying that he has improved by playing with the warriors and some noting his support for teammates when they set up or score a try. He is becoming a cult hero. He should still be playing on our left wing.

I think Monty is a success story for Warriors recruitment of Aussies. Picked him up, had a some good seasons and when it came time we separated on good terms.

 

[snake77]

Montoya like a few others recently have improved during their time with the Warriors.

I remember when Montoya was signed here. It wasn't greeted with much fanfare. Recruitment is usually a mix of established stars, guys needing a fresh start, fringe first graders. We had already recruited a few names so he was more on the end to round out the squad. I'm pretty sure the Bulldogs didn't see him as much of a loss back then.

Quite a difference in a few years.

It is good for our club compared to the days when players would regress.

Aslo credit should go to Montoya. He came here with a good attitude and put the work in.

 

[sup42]

I just watched the tries again.

So much quality attack.

That Pompey try was epic.

We are the form team.

Real shame Pompeys greatest individual play was lost largely by virtue of fans tending to dismiss the try because the opposition was the Tigers who in plain dumb Warrior fan speak are a team we should thrash.

You have to laugh, if Ali had of scored that Try the whole NRL would have blown its load.

That was Kevin Iro level Centers play, it was Blackmore McKraken level of beastmode scoring.

Best Warriors Center play in years and years and years. True story that was a beautiful run any NRL player would be proud of.

Imagine if Adam Pompey is a late bloomer and that Try is the moment that unlocks his attacking game....that would be the best sports story ever...lets not forget the only reason Adam Pompey has a contract is that he keeps winning hardest preseason trainer at the Warriors....he is one limited talent all effort anomaly we rarely see...if he were a white boy from Nelson he would have Simon Mannering cult support.

Pisses me off he gets shit around here coz he is the antithesis of the lazy Warrior.